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(No Model.) 4 Sheets8heet 1.

'J. H. ROBERTSON & J. JONSON. TRACTION ROPE RAILWAY.

No. 339,322 Pa-tentedApr.6,1886.

(No Model.) 4 SheetsSheet 2. J, H. ROBERTSON & J. JONSON. TRACTION ROPE RAILWAY.

Patented Apr. 6, 1886.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3. J. H. ROBERTSON & J. JONSON. TRACTION ROPE RAILWAY. No. 339,322. Patented Apr. 6, 1886.

N. PETERS. Pmwuw n m. whomm. u.c

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

J. H. ROBERTSON & J. JONSON. TRACTION ROPE'RAILWAY. No. 339,322. Patented Apr. 6, 1886.

[i 1 WM illrno STATES ATENT Orrrcn;

JOHN H. ROBERTSON AND JULIUS JONSON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.; SAID JULIUS JONSON ASSIGNOR TO LEW'IS LYON, OF SAME PLACE.

TRACTlON ROPE RAILWAY.

SZEOIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 339,322, dated April 6, 1886.

Application filed November 9, 1885. Serial No. 182,171.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, J OHN H. ROBERTSON and JU L'IUS JONSON, both ofthe city and county of New York, in the State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Traction Rope Railways, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to traction rope railways in which there is constructed between the track-rails a tunnel containing an endless traveling cable or cables, and having at the street-surface a narrow slot in which works a vertical plate or plates connecting the grip mechanism within the tunnel with the cartruck.

The invention, or certain features thereof, may be employed in connection with a single cable in a tunnel, but is more particularly intended for usein connection with two similar cables moving in the same direction in the tunnel,thegrip and mechanism connected with the cars being of such COllSllllCblOU that the cars may be connected part with one cable and part with the other cable, or so that all the cars may be connected with either cable in I case the other becomes inoperative or is not running. When two cables are employed,the cars are each provided with double grip mechanisnnwhich, at the will of the conductor, may be engaged with one or other of the cables, and are also provided with mechanism whereby the cable not in use may be thrown laterallyoif the cablesupporting pulleys on the grip and prevented from movinginto such position that the grip can grasp it.

One feature of our invention consists in a novel means of supporting or suspending the grip mechanism and grip-frame from the car, so that in case the grip-frame moves laterally relatively to the car, as it may do in rounding curves or under other circumstances, the gripframe will maintain a truly vertical position, and will not be tilted into an inclined position.

This partof the invention also consists in a novel construction of the hangers, whereby the grip-frame is suspended, and a novel connection of the grip-frame therewith whereby the grip-frame and entire grip mechanism can be readily lifted or lowered out of engagement with the hangers, whichever may be most {No model.)

convenient, in case it be desired to remove it from the car.

The invention also consists in a novel construction of connections through which the movable portion of the grip-frame carrying the movable jaw may be lifted when desired by power applied from brake spindles or levers at either end of the car, and which are capable of ready and convenient adjustment to definitely fix the movement imparted to the movable jaw, and to take up slack in the chains and other connections.

The invention also consists in a novel manner of fitting and securing the renewable gripjaws in their holders.

The invention also consists in the combination,with a fixed or stationary gripframe and a fixed upper jaw secured thereon, of a movable lower jaw fitted to slide on the fixed frame and carrying at its ends cable-supporting pulleys, and rollers carried by the lower portion of the fixed gripframe for acting on the operating or depressing levers which move the cable-supporting sheaves or pulleys at the termini of the road to bring the cable into range of the grip.

The invention also consists in a novel combination of mechanism for operating the throwing-ofl' devices, whereby either cable may be thrown laterally out of range of its grip and prevented from moving into range of its grip.

The invention further consists in a novel combination of mechanism, hereinafter described, and pointed out in the elaims,whereby the brake and grip connections are operated, and which comprises an inner spindle and an outer tubular spindle arranged one within the other and capable of being turned one independently of the other.

The invention also includes other combinations of parts, hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1' is p a sectional elevation of a portion of a car'- truck and a grip mechanism embodying our invention. Fig. 2 is a partly sectional elevation of the grip and parts of the car which directly support it upon a larger scale. Fig. 3 is a plan and horizontal section on the plane of the dotted line x :0, Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on the plane of the dotted line low it.

g 3 Fig. 2, looking upward, and showing an inverted plan of the fixed jaws and their holder and the mechanism for throwing off the cable. Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 4 on the plane of the dotted line 2 2, Fig. et. Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on the plane of the dotted line y y, Fig. 2, looking downward. Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse section on the plane of the dotted line Fig. 2. Fig. Sis a sectional elevation of a part of a car-platform and a brake and grip operating spindles and mechanism embodying our invention.. Fig. 9 is a horizontal section on the plane of the dotted line 1 1, Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a transverse section of a portion of the tunnel and an. elevationof the movable cable-sup porting sheaves at the termini of the road, which are supported in movable frames capable of movement by the grip mechanism to permit the latter to pass between them,'and then returning to their former position to bring the cables laterally into the grip; and Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the above parts, including a portion of the cables and a part of the grip.

Similar letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all the figures.

A designates portions of a car truck or frame, at opposite ends of which are the platforms A. B designates the axles, and B the wheels, running upon the track-rails B".

The grip-frame and mechanism is all supported or hung from two beams, A,which are in turn supported by the car-axles or axleboxes, so as to remain fixed relatively to the axles.

The grip mechanism is most clearly shown in Figs. 2 to 7, inclusive, to which we shall now particularly refer. The fixed or stationary frame of the grip consists,-essentially, of a top or head piece, 0, which is yoked or bifurcated at O, and from which depend two thin plates or uprights, 0, having attached to their lower ends a foot or base portion, 0, which extends parallelwith the head-piece 0. As here shown, the head-piece O has downwardly-projecting flange portions (1, to which the bars or plates 0 are riveted, and the lowor ends of these bars or plates are inserted into mortises a in the foot or base portion G, and riveted therein. The parts of this fixed or stationary frame might be differently connected; but when constructed and connected in the manner shown they makea very strong and rigid frame.

The manner of hanging and suspending the frame 0 O O is very simple and effective. D D designate hangers, which each consist of a fiat plate having projecting from its face flanges b b, which receive between them the end of the head-piece C of the frame. Such a hanger is at each end of the piece 0, and the ends of said piece are secured against rising and falling between the flanges by square pins I), inserted through the flanges above and be- In lieu of these square pins,bolts may he used,or a single bolt may be passed through the flanges I) and plate or piece 0 at each end thereof. Attached to the beams or girders A are angle-plates or knee-pieces D,which offer broad surfaces to support the hangers D, and are set at such distance apart as to permit the hangers D and interposed frame portion 0 to swing between them in a direction transverse to the length of the car. The angle-plates D" hold the grip-frame and prevent its movement in a direction lengthwise of the car. Each hanger D is suspended by a pair of links or suspenders, D from pivots or studs b projecting laterally from a plate, I)", secured to the angle-plate D, and in case of any side swing or movement ofthe grip-frame the links or suspenders D form a species of parallel motion which maintains the grip-frame in vertical position at all times, and prevents its swinging into an inclined position.

The arrangement of the ends of the frame portion 0 in forks open at top and bottom, or, in other words, between pairs of flanges, b, is very desirable, because by taking out the upper or lower'pins, b, the grip-frame may be raised or lowered, whichever may be most convenient, to detach it from it hangers.

E designates the upperholder for grip-jaws c, and F designates the lower holder for the grip-jaws c. The upper holder, E, is fast upon the frame portions 0 it being provided with mortises d, receiving said parts, and secured thereto by rivets or bolts cl. The casting E has upwardlyprojecting arms or brackets, d*, which embrace the frame portions 0", and steady and brace the jaw-holder E, as shown in Fig. 2. The lowerjaw-holder, F, is formed with mortises d", which receive through them and slide upon the frame portions 0, and is raised and lowered by vertical plates or bars F, which enter mortises d in the piece F, and are secured therein by bolts or rivets. The upper fixedjaw-holder, E, is constructed with mortises d, which receive through them and serve to guide the verticallymovable plates or bars F, and is also constructed with a mortise (1 which receives a vertically-movable bar. 0, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. The vertically-movable plates or bars are secured at their upper ends in a cross-head, F which is fitted to slide upon the flange portions to of 'thegrip'frame, and, as here shown, is provided at its ends with anti-friction bearing-rollers, (1*.

IIO

The mechanism employed for raisin the which are secured by a pin, f, in the crosshead Through the end of each yoke or slotted portion f" of the rods f 3 is inserted a set-screw, j, which bears upon the block f. From the above description it will be understood that a pull upon either red G will operate one or other'of the levers G, and through the rodf connected with that lever,will raise the cross-head F and attached grip-jaw, and the other slotted rod, f, will rise on the square block f of the other lever G without resistance. The screws f afford provision for taking up lost motion and wear and for determining the movement given the movable gripjaw by the links or rods f". The rods or links f are only needed to raise the crosshead F, for when released the lower movable jaw-holder, F, drops away from the cable by the weight of itself and connections. 1

The grip-jaws c may be secured in their holders E F in any suitable manner. As best shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7, we have here shown each holder as hollow,or provided with recesses closed at the outer sides by coveringplates 0 secured in place bybolts 0 the holders having hubs or bosses 0', through which these bolts pass. The renewable jaws c 0 have in their ends concave recesses or bearing-surfaces 0 which iit the hubs or bosses c, and after the jaws are slipped laterally into place theyare secured bythe oap-plates c and bolts o To thelower inovablejawholder, F,arejournaled the cable-supporting pulleys g for two cables, and at the ends of the frame portion 0 are pulleys or rollers g, for acting on the operating-levers, or depressing lever or bar through which the cable-supporting sheaves at the termini of the road are moved so as to bring the cables properly within range of the grip. The mechanism whereby this isaccomplished is represented in Figs. and 11, to

which we will now refer. This mechanism, however, is not included in ourpresent invention.

In Figs. 10 and .11., K designates a portion of the tunnel, and K a pit or excavation, one of which is at each terminus of the road, and in which are arranged two cable-supporting sheaves, L, for the cables M. These sheaves, which are of considerable diameter, hold the cables somewhat. above the line of the grip, parts of which are shown in Fig. 11, and in the tunnel is arranged a depressing bar or lever, N, on which the rollers g of the grip act, and through which the two sheaves L are swung outward at their upper edges so as to permit the grip to pass between them, and after the rollers 5; leave thelever or depressingbar N the sheaves L return to the position shown in Fig. 10, and thereby bring the cables M within range of t-he jaws of the grip. Each cable M is journaled in bearings Z,which are supported upon a rectangular frame, Z, here represented as composed of parallel I- beams connected with cross-pieces at the ends, and each of these frames Z has at the ends trunnions Z", which are supported in proper hearings in the fixed frame-work in the pit K. Consequently it will be seen that by rocking CLO the sheave-frames Z or their trunnions Z the sheaves L may be moved apart at their upper edges and brought more nearly into a parallel position, so as to permit the grip to pass between them.

' As here represented, the frames Z have at each end levers P, which cross each other, as shown in Fig. 10, and carry weights Z. These levers P at each end of the frames cross upon the opposite sides of the link or rod Z which has upon it bearing-rollers Z to support said levers. The upper ends of these links Z are connected with other lovers, 1*, which are fulcrumed in the fixed supporting-frame at 1*, and the outer ends of which are connected by rods or links I with the depressing lever or bar N.

In order to hold thelinks or rods Z in proper position and prevent their vibrating, we have represented them as connected with the fixed frame by links Z" at their lower ends,and these links Z insure the direct upward and downward movement ofthe links Z whensuch move ment is produced by the swinging of the levers 2, resulting from the depression of the bar N.

In the operation of the apparatus,before the grip comes to the sheaves L, its rollers 9, one or other of them, strikes the depressing-bar N, and the depression of this bar, acting.

through the parts i l l, raises the levers Ziand thereby spreads the sheaves L at their upper edges sufficiently to permit the grip to pass between them. As the roller 9 of the grip leaves the depressing-bar N the weights Z lift said bar and also return the sheaves L to the position shown in Fig. 10, thereby bringing the If. The shorter arms of the levers h are turned in opposite directions, and are connected by rods h with opposite ends of a short pin or cross-bar, h, which is received through an in clined or oblique slot, e in the verticallymovable plate or bar e. The plate or bar e is connected at the upper end with a bell-crank lever, 0 fulcrumed at 6 as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, and by it may be raised or lowered. hen the plate or bar 6 is raised, the pin or cross-bar It will be moved in one direction by the action of the inclined slot 6', and will operate the bell-crank levers hso as to throw one cable off,and when the plate or bar c is lowered the parts will be operated in a reverse direction to throw the other cable off. The plate or bar 6 should be bent or deflected laterally to clear the cross-head F, as shown in Fig. 7.

Te will now describe the spindles and mechanism for operating the grip and car-brakes, as shown in Figs. 1, 8, and 9. On each platform A we have shown an inner spindle, H, surmounted by a hand-wheel, i, and an outer surrounding tubular spindle, H, surmounted by a hand-wheel, i. From the platform A depends a frame, I, and designates a portion of the top rail of the platform. The tubular spindle H has a bearing in the rail i and in the frame I, and the spindle H has a bearing in the tubular spindle H and in the frame I. In the frame I is journaled a grip-operating Windlass or wheel, J, connected by a chain,

10 j, with one of the rods G, and geared by a pinion and wheel, 9'' with the tubular spindle H, which may be locked by a ratchetwheel and dog, 3' j, against running back after being tightened. Upon the lower portion of the inner spindle, H, is a Windlass or wheel, k, from which is to be led a chain or connection for operating the brake. This inner spindle, H, and windlass or wheel k are locked by a dog or pawl, k, engaging a ratchet-wheel, If, and fixed on the lower end of a short rockshaft, 70 which projects above the platform, and is there provided with a foot-lever, k.

In lieu of the windlasses J, the shafts of the wheels j at opposite ends of the car might be provided with sprocket or chain wheels for receiving an endless chain, with which would be connected the bell-crank levers G.

\Ve do not here claim, broadly, the combination, with a fixed grip-frame and a fixed upper jaw secured thereon, of a lower jaw movable upward and downward relatively to the fixed jaw, as such a construction is shown, but not claimed, in the patent to Eppelsheimer, No. 160,757, dated March 16, 1875.

What we claim as our invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination, with a car, of a gripframe extending lengthwise thereof and suspended from the car by pairs of links, whereby provision is afforded for its lateral movement without Swinging from its vertical position, substantially as herein described.

2. The combination, with a car and a grip- I frame, of hangers wherein the frame is supported at opposite ends, and'plates depending from the car, between which the hangers and grip-frame may move laterally, and by which the hangers and frame are supported in a direction lengthwise of the car, substantially as herein described.

3. The combination, with a car and gripframe, of hangers at opposite ends of the frame suspended by pairs of links D, and the plates D, for guiding the hangers in their lateral movement, and sustaining them against movement lengthwise of the car, substantially as herein described.

4. The combination, with a car and a gripframe, of hangers at opposite ends of the frame, plates D, guiding the hangers in their lateral movement and preventing their movement lengthwise of the car, and pairs of links D suspending the hangers and swinging on pivots supported by the plates D, substantially as herein described.

5. The combination, with a grip-frame comprising the head-piece O, of hangers at opposite ends thereof having forks or pairs of flanges open at top and bottom and between which the head-piece G is supported by pins or bolts, substantially as herein described.

6. The combination, with a grip-frame comprising the head-piece O, of the hangers D, having pairs of flanges 12, receiving the piece 0 between them, and pins or bolts I), inserted through the flanges above and below the piece 0, substantially as herein described.

7. The combination, with a car and the platesD depending therefrom, of the hangers D, constructed with the pairs of flanges 71, and guided by the plates D in their lateralmovements, the pairs of links D by which the hangers are suspended, and the grip-frame comprising a head-piece, C, secured at the ends by pins or bolts between the pairs of flanges b, substantially as herein described.

8. The combination, with a car and a stationary grip-frame and fixed jaws, of a m0va ble frame fitted thereto and carrying a movable jaw, bell-crank levers connected with operating devices at opposite ends of the car, and slotted links or rods forming a connection between the bell-crank levers and the movable grip-frame, substantially as. herein described.

9. The combination, with a car and a fixed grip-frame and fixed jaw, of a movable frame carrying a movable jaw, bell crank levers connected with operating devices at opposite ends of the car, and links or rods f pivoted to the movable frame and having a slotted connectiomf", with the bell'crank levers, substantially as herein described.

10. The combination, with a car and afixed grip-frame and fixedjaw, of a movable gripframe carrying a movablejaw, bell-crank levers G, connected with operating devices at opposite ends of the car, and having square blocks f pivoted to their arms, and the links or rods f pivoted in the movable grip-frame and slotted or yoked at f, to receive the blocks f, substantially as herein described.

11. The combination, with a car and fixed grip-frame and fixed jaw, of a movable gripframe carrying a. movable jaw, bell-crank levers G, connected with operating devices at opposite ends of the car, and the links or rods f forming a connection between the movable grip-frame and said lever, constructed with slots or yokes f and provided with adj ustingscrews f substantially as herein described.

12. The combination,with hollow jaw-holders provided with removable cap plates on their sides and with internal hubs or bosses, of renewable jaws having their ends notched or recessed to fit said hubs or bosses and held laterally in place by said cap-plates, substantially as herein described.

13. The combination ,with afixed grip-frame comprising a base portion provided with rollers for moving cable -supporting sheaves arranged in their path, and a fixed upper jaw secured to said frame, of a movable lower jaw fitted to slide on the fixed frame and carrying at the ends cable-supporting pulleys, substantially as herein described.

let. The combination, with the fixed frame composed of the head-piece, G, the parallel uprights U and the base portion O, of the fixed upper jaw-holder secured to the uprights 0", the lower jaw-holder, 1+, inortised to slide on the uprights G and the cross-head F and connecting-bars F, for operating the jawholder F, substantially as herein described.

15. The combination, with the fixed frame composed of the headpiece, G, the uprights G and the base portion 0 of the movable frame composed of the lower jaw-holder, F, the bars F, and cross-head F the jaw-holder F being secured to the lower ends of the plates F and niortised to slide on the uprights G, and the upper fixed jaw-holder, E, secured to the uprights C and mortised to receive the plates F, substantially as herein described.

16. The combination, with a grip-frame, of bell-crank levers pivoted to swing horizontally near opposite endsthereof, and provided with rollers or projections for engaging one or other of two cables, of averticallyunovable bar having an inclined slot, a cross bar or pin fitting said slot, and rods connecting opposite ends of the said bar or pin with said bell-crank levers, substantially as herein described.

17. The combination, with the fixed grip frame and the fixed upper jaw-holder secured thereon, of the bell-crank levers h, fnlcrurned to swing horizontally in opposite ends of said holder, and provided with projections or roll ers it, for engaging a cable, the verticallymovoble bar e, guided in said holder, and having an inclined slot, e, and the cross bar or pin it, fitting said slot and connected at opposite ends by rods h, with the levers h, substantially as herein described.

18. The combination,with the inner spindle, H, and outer tubular spindle, H, of the gripoperating Windlass or wheel J, geared to the tubular spindle H, the brake-operating windlass or wheel 75 on the spindle H, and locking devices for both spindles, substantially as herein described.

19. The coinbinatioinwith a fixed grip'frame provided With a fixed jaw, of a movable gripframe carrying a movable j aw and comprising at the upper end a cross -head fitted to and sliding upon the fixed frame, and anti-friction rollers interposed between the cross-head and the fixed frame, substantially as herein described.

J OHN H. ROBERTSON. JULIUS J ONSON. lVitnesses:

LEWIS LYON, C. HALL. 

